Keurig coffee makers are fantastic machines that make brewing coffee and other beverages quick and easy, but just like any appliance, they are susceptible to all sorts of issues. Some are easier to fix than others…
If your machine is leaking water, especially during the heating cycle, this is something you’ll want to address right away. If not, you’ll not only have a mess on your hands, but it could lead to bigger issues with the brewer. Your Keurig leaking water could be for a number of reasons, but luckily most of these are easy to address on your own.
The cause of the leak could be as simple as a water reservoir that’s too full or as complicated as damage to your Keurig’s internal elements. Let’s go over the most common causes of a leaky brewer and how to fix them.
The water reservoir is too full
I’ll start with an easy one that will only take a matter of seconds to fix. I’m sure we’ve all done it… it’s early and you’re mindlessly filling the water tank to brew your first cup of coffee for the day. If you aren’t paying close attention, it’s not hard to overfill the water tank, but there’s a reason it has a max fill line on it.
If your machine is leaking, this is the first thing you should check. If your tank is filled past the max fill line, turn your Keurig off and dump some of the water out before trying again. If the issue persists, then continue on to the next troubleshooting steps.
The water reservoir is cracked
While it’s very easy to spot a cracked water tank as a cause of a leaking Keurig and it is relatively simple to fix, it, unfortunately, isn’t the quickest to fix because it requires ordering a replacement part. Luckily, you can get an authentic replacement reservoir from the spare parts shop on Keurig’s website, but you’ll be waiting a bit of time to have it shipped to you.
You can also check out online retailers like Amazon for replacement water reservoirs, but keep in mind that using replacement parts from non-Keurig retailers could void your warranty.
Faulty coffee pods
While it is rare, every once in a while you can get a K-cup that, for one reason or another, isn’t working as it should. This is more likely to happen if you are using a non-Keurig brand coffee pod.
It sounds dramatic, but coffee pods can “explode” if they have too much air in them. If this happens, the water that would have gone through the pod can end up spilling out the top of the machine instead since it has nowhere else to go.
Another possible explanation has to do with your elevation. If you live at a high altitude, you’re probably familiar with the issues this can cause. The pressure can actually impact coffee pods, causing them to retain too much air and pop open.
Your machine has a clog
It’s not uncommon for a Keurig to encounter a clog, especially if you aren’t the best at upkeep for your machine. Not only can coffee grounds build up and cause a blockage, but all that water running through the Keurig can leave limescale deposits that can wreak havoc over time.
The solution to this problem is a good cleaning and descaling. It will take a bit of time, so it’s best to do this when you aren’t trying to rush out the door. It will be well worth the small amount of hassle to fix this problem, though.
Cleaning your Keurig
Remove all of the detachable parts, including the drip tray, K-cup holder, water tank, and lid, and soak them in warm soapy water. While they soak, wipe down your machine with a damp cloth and then wash and dry the removable pieces.
Descaling your Keurig
Keurig has a great guide to walk you through the descaling process, depending on which model you own. This involves running a few cycles of your machine, first with a descaling solution, and then with water to make sure it is fully clean. This will help remove any built-up limescale, which could be the source of the clog.
If cleaning and descaling your Keurig doesn’t fix the leak, there are still other possible causes and solutions to this problem.
An issue with the O-ring
The O-ring is a silicone ring that seals the area where your water reservoir meets the hose that brings the water into your machine. Since the O-ring plays such a crucial role in preventing leaks, it makes sense that an issue with it could result in drips or spills onto your counter.
First, check to make sure the O-ring is still there. If it is, make sure it’s properly in place and hasn’t come loose. If the leaking persists, take a closer look at the O-ring to see if it is broken.
When the O-ring is the culprit, it’s another easy fix, but one that will take a few days to address. You can order a replacement O-ring online, but be sure to make sure it is compatible with your specific Keurig model.
Don’t forget about your warranty
If you purchased your Keurig within the last year and haven’t done anything to void the warranty, then you should be covered. If the solution to your leaking Keurig isn’t a simple fix and it’s still under warranty, don’t hesitate to give their customer service a call.
They can help you troubleshoot, service the machine for you, or send you a replacement if required. Since Keurig only offers a limited one-year warranty, you might as well take advantage should you run into an issue within that first year of purchase.
A leaky Keurig doesn’t have to spell disaster
Thankfully, a lot of the causes of a leaky brewer are easy to fix and due to user error, rather than something actually being wrong with the machine itself. If anything, a leak might be a good reminder to keep up on your Keurig’s maintenance to help extend its life.
